The S.C. Festival of Discovery kicks off on Thursday and runs through July 12 in uptown Greenwood.

The festival features music from numerous blues musicians and a Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned barbecue contest on Main Street, featuring more than 80 teams.

"This year, we are welcoming teams from 11 states including South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas," said Charlie Barrineau, Greenwood City Manager.

Outdoor concerts will be performed at the CenturyLink Main Stage tent and throughout various "Blues Cruise" venues in the Uptown Greenwood area, including TW Boons, Howard's on Main, The Mill House, Polo's Restaurant, Sundance Gallery, Flynn's on Maxwell and Buffalo Grill. All concerts are free and open to the public.

The festival will also feature the Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday at noon. This event is sponsored by Skins Hot Dogs.

City officials said Main Street will close at 6 p.m. Thursday and reopen at noon on Sunday to accommodate festival competitors and visitors.